It is the second southernmost hold in Skyrim, after the Rift. It borders Cyrodiil in the south, across the Jerall Mountains, and Hammerfell in the west. Other than its capital, Falkreath, the only notable town in the hold is Helgen, the first settlement in Skyrim to be attacked by a dragon.

Falkreath Hold is blanketed by characteristic pine forests and described by its citizens as being covered in a fine mist that makes it seem seasonless. The mountains rising above Falkreath are well above the snow line striking a stark comparison to the green of the rest of the hold. The most distinguishing geographic feature is Lake Ilinalta which covers a large portion of the central region and acts as the source for the White River.

The town has the largest cemetery in Skyrim that houses generations of the dead, due to a large number of battles that have taken place over the years. The citizens take pride in this and many of the local shops and the farm derive their names from their close proximity to so much death.